No Venture, No Gain. How Taking Risks Pays Off

Great change cannot occur without taking great risks. We take a leap of faith in hopes of extraordinary personal and professional fulfillment. Unfortunately, taking a giant leap means a risk of failure. One can’t help but wonder: Will it be worth it?

Before joining WorldVentures, many Representatives shared struggles of unfulfilled dreams and potential. No venture. No gain. In each case, the need for success became stronger than the fear of failure. This realization brought men and women from 28 markets to WorldVentures. Today, WorldVentures, has become the world’s largest direct seller of group travel, with more than 120,000 independent Representatives worldwide.

Still, people are understandably careful about taking unnecessary risks. Don't be scared to fail. Rather be afraid of not trying. If you make decisions that are well researched and calculated, you will limit the possibility of stumbling.

Venturing into the unknown can contribute to unwanted and unnecessary pressure. Also, if security and stability is what you crave, then perhaps start with smaller more manageable risks.

The truth is: You take risks every day. It could be something as modest as introducing oneself to someone new or something as significant as making a public speech. Often, we take risks without being aware of it. But it's the big risks, the giant leaps, the potentially earth-shattering decisions that not only affect you but also others―that’s where the real reward lies.

So, whether you're negotiating with a future employer, changing careers mid-life, or speaking up and making others aware of your presence, keep doing it, and you may get what you’re seeking.

"There is only one big risk you should avoid at all costs, and that is the risk of doing nothing."  – Denis Waitley, American motivational speaker and writer, consultant and best-selling author.

How Do You Properly Live Fun, Freedom and Fulfillment?

It’s the WorldVentures corporate motto: Live fun, freedom and fulfillment. And the company’s top core value? “Look for ways to integrate more fun, freedom and fulfillment into everything we do.”

Regardless of what you do for a living, it’s crucial to weave more of the three F’s into your life. You will be a happier person because of it. You will accomplish more. You’ll have a better, more positive outlook on life. And you will not only have more energy, but you’ll emanate it out to others around you.

And if you’re interested in exploring life as a WorldVentures Representative, fun, freedom and fulfillment will guide you on your direct-sales route to being your own boss, having more time to spend with your family and having unique experiences through travel.

WorldVentures Representatives fulfill several needs: the needs to travel, to work and earn money, to enjoy life, to spend valuable time with family and friends, to meet new people and to control their own personal and professional destiny. That’s what fun, freedom and fulfillment means to many WorldVentures Independent Representatives.

Changes Lives Around The Globe

One of the many unique things about WorldVentures™ is its commitment to making a genuine difference in the world. When Mike Azcue and Wayne Nugent founded WorldVentures six years ago, they set out to create a special kind of company - a company with a great product, solid business opportunity - but also a company with a big heart. To that aim, in May 2010, encouraged by the field, the company launched the Manifest Foundation, a registered 501c3 aimed at serving social needs around the world by helping the most vulnerable among us - children. Thus far, the foundation has funded projects that provide water purification systems in Latin America and Africa, computers for Third World classrooms, and vocational training and microloans for mothers in Africa. Working with grassroots partners like Hug It Forward, WorldVentures volunteers have helped build "bottle schools" (structures built out of plastic soda bottles filled with inorganic trash to create "eco-bricks") in Latin American villages.

It has been my great privilege to be the steward of Mike and Wayne's vision as executive director of the foundation for the past two years. I am very proud of how much we have already accomplished; very excited by how much more we can and plan to do.

Recently, I had the good fortune to develop and lead another of the company's "voluntourism" excursions. As the name implies, voluntours are travel adventures with a social purpose, in this case a team of 15 WorldVentures volunteers from three continents traveled in September to Kenya to help an orphanage in the slum village of Degorretti in Nairobi become self-sufficient. We brought three clean water systems, and built a chicken coop to house 100 chickens. All this not only provides clean drinking water and food for the orphans, but establishes a sustainable income source, as thousands of villagers now have convenient access to clean water. Lack of clean water is one of the most serious problems facing the developing world, particularly in Kenya, where abject poverty and deprivation is the norm, where most people live on less than $2 per day, and where containable diseases such as AIDS continue to tragically ravage families.

Our work in Degorretti centered on an amazing and inspiring place called the Lighthouse Grace Orphanage. The orphanage is home to 60 children and provides schooling to another 100 students every day. The home was well-named - despite the poverty and desperate lack of resources, grace was in abundance everywhere at this oasis amidst the squalor. Founded and led by an amazing woman named Regina Ngige, the orphanage is a beacon of hope to the entire community. I can still see the beautiful beaming faces of children who despite living on usually one meal a day of maize or rice, and having no access to clean sanitation or a health aid when they feel sick, are positive and hopeful about their lives. When you ask them if they have a dream, they all say, "Yes," and are eager to tell you. It was an honor to make a difference in their community; installing the water filtration systems will change many lives in Degorretti forever. Of course, speaking for all the WorldVentures voluntourists, I can safely say that our lives were also changed on that trip: it is impossible not to be transformed by the experience. One such transformation was shared by International Marketing Director, Matt Morris about a week after the trip, saying, "A surprising, and noticeable change for me is in my parenting. I made pancakes for breakfast the other day and my daughter said she didn't want them, but wanted eggs instead. In the past, I would have probably just made her the eggs. But this time, I asked her, 'What do the children at Grace eat?' She replied, 'Rice, Daddy,' and proceeded to happily eat her pancakes without any fuss."

That's the power of voluntourism and the generous spirit behind WorldVentures' Manifest Foundation. It is a rare organization that really walks the walk - we can all be proud to be associated with a company that actively practices its values every day. If you'd like to contribute, volunteer or participate in an upcoming voluntourism opportunity, please do not hesitate to visit our website www.manifestfoundation.org.

Who's in Your Circle?

Let’s face it. We all do it and a lot of it. Tweeting. Liking. Updating. Sharing.  Social media has gone from a fun distraction to a daily “must-check” and “must have” tool that businesses use to increase awareness, garner positive publicity, share daily happenings and to, frankly, stay relevant.

And though businesses use social media for their own purposes, the truth is, we as individuals are pretty plugged in too. Social networking (in all its avenues) now accounts for one out of every six minutes spent online.  Considering the average time a person spends on a non-social site is less than one minute, it is increasingly apparent that social media is a big influence on our lives and, in turn, in the lives of those around us.

In life, we all have our circle of friends.  Those we keep around us tend to be positive and uplifting (and if they’re not, they should be) who we turn to for support, come together with to  share a laugh, unite with over a common cause and just simply enjoy having around us.  There is just as much talk about social media circles. And just as in “real life,” it’s best when those in our social media circles are just as optimistic and just as encouraging as our non-virtual friends.

Think about it. Would you allow negative and pessimistic people to hang out with you or constantly fill your days (or timeline) with woe? Of course not! It is important to choose wisely who you associate with, as well as how you associate with them on social media.  Knowing this is true from personal experience, I compiled my top four tips on building the perfect network in social media and thought you might like to see it!

1. Fill Your Networks with Positive People!

As the quote says, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” So choose wisely and stay away from people with bad energy. If they show you who they are—and it’s not uplifting for you and in return, your business—believe them and adopt a zero tolerance attitude towards their negativity.

2. Regularly Evaluate Your "Friends" in Your Networks!

“False friends are worse than bitter enemies.” The truth of the matter is that not everyone who proclaims to be your friend is really your friend. People, teammates and situations change, so out with the old and in with the new! Consider removing those who are not a positive partner supporting your business goals.

3. Stay Positive – Be Polite – Be Respectful!

Be the person you are trying to attract. Birds of a feather often flock together, so surround yourself with those who are like you and vice-versa.

4. Be You!

This is probably the most import word of advice I can offer. Bottom line, people like you because of who you are. Showcase your life of fun,freedom, fulfillment and overall well-being to attract like-minded people!

It’s pretty simple when you think about it, right? Surround yourself with like-minded people who have similar goals and together you will go far in life—and online.

Top 5 Reasons to Join an MLM

Multilevel marketing has gotten a bad rap over the years. And though many reputable companies exist, mere mention of M-L-M can conjure shattered dreams that made headlines over decades past. But you can’t paint all network marketing companies with the same broad stroke. At WorldVentures, we stake our reputation on integrity and transparency, and we have the longevity and legacy of achievement to back us.  

But enough about us. Here are a few reasons to consider multilevel marketing in general:

1. Entrepreneurial freedom:  I know you've heard it before, but it’s true. You can quite literally fire your boss and run your own business with low overhead costs. You may want to gradually build up to this point by starting out on a part-time basis. But if you’re so inclined, you can also pursue direct sales full time. 

2. Unlimited earnings potential: Unlike in the corporate world where your rise in rank may hinge on anything from your talent and tenure to your temperament, MLMs allow you to determine your own worth. No salary caps here. Decide what you want to earn then go for it.   

3. Personal development: MLMs are big on helping you become your best. Personal development ensures that you become a more effective entrepreneur, and it promotes continued company growth. From books and videos to conferences and one-on-one coaching, you have the tools you need to tap in to your full potential.

4. Continuous training: Much like personal development, training is always accessible. No more filling out a training request and waiting for your boss to approve it based on budget. Any and everything you need to know to be successful in your business is at your fingertips.

5. Camaraderie: There’s nothing like connecting with people who share your vision. As the old saying goes, “Iron sharpens iron.” By joining an MLM, you will align yourself with like-minded people who can identify with your struggles and support your success.

The Direct Selling Opportunity: Make Your Choice

Each day, thousands of people make the decision to leave the rat race, hang the “CEO” sign on their own doors and embark on the journey of business ownership.  And for many entrepreneurial spirits, the direct selling (or multi-level marketing) business model is one they can embrace.

Direct selling offers the flexibility to own your own business, create your own schedule, work with enthusiastic like-minded people and more. Direct sales representatives (also called consultants or distributors) sell services and products, often through home parties or by word-of-mouth. And the industry is rife with opportunity. According to the Direct Selling Association, 15.9 million people worked in the direct sales industry in 2012, generating more than 31.63 billion in sales!

You’re not alone if you desire more from life. And whatever your “more” is, (time with loved ones, discretionary income or flexibility in your daily schedule), embarking on a career in direct sales can lead to belief in yourself and truly change your life. But, choosing the right opportunity is just as important as choosing to work in the industry, so think about the following as you decide the best direct selling opportunity for you:

Choosing the Right Direct Selling Company for You

Identify Your Passion

Are you a budding foodie or chef? Do your friends always have a health or weight loss question for you, the “healthy one”? Or maybe you love adding new stamps to your passport as you travel the world? Whatever you’re passionate about, there’s probably a direct sales company with a product that truly excites you and that you’d be proud to represent. If you don’t believe in something, you can’t show others how to be excited about it.

For WorldVentures Reps (all 110,000 of them) travel is what ignites their passion! Whether enjoying VIP-style treatment on a DreamTrip or introducing the WorldVentures business concept, they serve as ambassadors for a brand that has literally changed thousands of lives the world over.

Know Your Goal

If you’re looking to earn enough extra income to pay off a few bills each month, the time you dedicate to your new business may be different than if you want to turn your 30-year mortgage in a 10-year one. Going into the industry with identified goals will help you make a more informed decision about the company you want to invest both your time and money in.

If you’re fired up about the business and know what you ultimately want to gain from it, your commitment will also increase. This can lead to getting more than you bargained for, but in a good way! Many of our Reps have met the original goals they had when joining the company and have continuously challenged themselves to achieve higher ones, like earning our BMW car bonus, buying their dream home or earning enough extra income to retire their parents.

Ask Questions

What they say is true―there really is no such thing as a dumb question! Any questions about the new venture you’re considering should be answered easily by anyone you know in that business.

Ask questions about the company, the income potential, how training is conducted, etc. You should know what you’re getting into before you get into it!

You should also expect truth and transparency from the direct sales company you choose to work with. For our goal of becoming the most trusted name in the direct selling industry, WorldVentures has established the WorldVentures Trust Council. Formed as part of our global commitment to corporate social responsibility, the WorldVentures Trust Council includes members of our corporate staff as well as Representative leaders worldwide. This is the step that WorldVentures has taken to answer many questions people have about us.

Going into business for yourself is one of the biggest decisions you can make, but it can also be one of the most rewarding. Call us biased, but we feel the direct sales industry is an ideal platform to take that leap of faith and declare yourself the boss of your life.

The Direct-Selling Decision

With all of the avenues available to deliver products and services to consumers, why did WorldVentures choose the direct-selling platform? The simple answer is that it just made sense!

Direct-selling is designed to be an industry where people who work hard can succeed, no matter their background or experience. WorldVentures Reps are a motley crew of ages, races and education levels hailing from all over the world—and story after story of success. Whatever the goal – discounted product, a little extra income or the desire to retire way before 65 – direct-selling is an industry that can work when you dedicate your energy to it. Part-time or full-time—the decision is yours.

Our DreamTrips memberships are also the perfect product for direct sellers. Seriously—who doesn’t like getting away on a vacation? Though on the surface it may not seem to be, vacations are personal business. When people make vacation plans, they consider budgets, locales and most of all, the experiences they want to have. Our Reps are fully committed to helping customers make the right membership choices for themselves and their families—we offer various levels of memberships tailored to member usage and budgets—and what better way to accomplish this than with the personal, sociable approach that is the basis for direct sales?

Ok, now let’s see the hands—who has a busy life? Don’t we all? One of the benefits of the direct-selling industry is that it’s mobile and your office can be anywhere! We call our Reps “mobile-preneurs” for a reason. With no storefront to maintain and no inventory to keep track of, our Reps can work while enjoying a vacation, picking up kids from school, jumping in a cab to grab dinner or basking in the sun at the park. From training materials to social media tools, our Rep’s workplace is as handy as their smartphone or tablet.

WorldVentures is in good company; the direct-selling industry has been around since the first door-to-door salesman came a-knocking  and the industry has changed the face of what success looks like and the lives of so many. Our decision to operate as a direct-selling company has provided the opportunity for thousands to Make a living… Living! and we wouldn’t have it any other way.